HIV Google searchers hit a record high within hours of Charlie Sheen announcing his HIV status, says researchers.

The researchers found an increase of 2.75m of unanticipated searches, according to previous trends, after Sheen's U.S. TV November appearance. Searches like HIV symptoms, condoms and HIV testing also increased.

The day of Sheen's public HIV status, there was a 417 percent increase of searchers relevant to HIV. Such searches related to condoms, HIV symptoms and HIV testing increased 75 percent, 540 percent and 214 percent, respectively. These searchers remained high three days following Sheen's disclosure. Investigators are calling this the 'Sheen effect' and are looking to use it for HIV awareness.

"While no one should be forced to reveal their HIV status and all diagnoses are tragic, Sheen's disclosure may benefit public health by potentially helping many learn more about HIV and HIV prevention," said researcher Professor John Ayers, from San Diego State University, speaking in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine. "More must be done to make this benefit larger and lasting."

Sheen had said he had tried to keep his HIV status private. With payouts being into the millions, "I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks and of sub-truths," Sheen said.

Charlie Sheen's disclosure had an impact worldwide, not just the U.S., according to Alex Sparrowhawk, a membership Officer of Terrence Higgins Trust. The trust is UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity.

Sparrowhawk pointed out that there is still work to be done regarding the negative HIV stigma that surrounded the Sheen story. "There is definitely more work to be done in educating the public on HIV, but also in how the media report on HIV. It must be more widely understood as the long-term manageable health condition that it now is."

"I'm not going to be the poster man for this, but I will not shun away from responsibilities and opportunities that drive me to helping others," Sheen said. "If there was one guy on this planet to contract this that's going to deliver a cure, it's me. It's me. Seriously."

Sheen's disclosure is bringing HIV treatments and stigmas to the public eye. The search for alternative treatments are also on the rise. For more information on HIV and strengthening the immune system please visit [Fucoidan Force's website.](http://www.fucoidanforce.com/articles/charlie-sheens-hiv/)